Prince Harry meets students ahead of Invictus Games for injured heroes

Prince Harry meets students ahead of Invictus Games for injured heroes

Social work student Nyasha Zaranyika has been given a vote of thanks by Prince Harry after being named a digital media champions ahead of the inaugural Invictus Games.

The event, taking place from September 10 to 14, will see more than 400 wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women from 14 nations, compete in nine sports.

Nyasha is in her final year of a Masters in Social Work student at Kingston and St George’s.

In her role at the Invictus Games , she will, along with other student volunteers, give live updates on sports including wheelchair rugby and sitting volleyball, along with the Closing Ceremony, through social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Prince Harry helped hand out certificates to those who completed the training which included practical advice on using social media, hints and tips on what makes a good post, how to make the most of imagery, and staying safe online.

She said: “I am a representative of Active Horizons and Citizens UK and will be one of the 60 digital champions for the Invictus Games. This is for a great cause especially how it reveals how people can get positive outcomes out of difficult and negative situations.

“Meeting Prince Harry, who is the President for Invictus Games UK, and being awarded the Digital Champion certificate was an opportunity of a lifetime and it felt surreal especially for an ordinary person like me.

“However, the greatest honour for me is to be a part of this important event and having the opportunity to meet the true heroes and heroines who are the service men and women taking part in the games.

“Additionally, to be a part of the group who will be raising awareness to the diverse communities across the country and in the world about how disability and adversity do not always mean vulnerability or inability.

“I have personally been in a situation that required me to relearn how to speak after losing my speech for a year in my first year.”

Nyasha, has also done a lot of other extra-curricular work. She started working with elderly adults ‘at risk of harm’, commonly known as ‘vulnerable adults’ in 2006 at one of the organisations in Maidstone.

In 2007, she joined a local church and become involved in youth work and last year went to Mysore in India to work for an organisation called “Kiriya Pushpa Child Fund” which helps women and girls who had been rescued after being trafficked and forced into prostitution.

Sir Keith Mills, chairman of the Invictus Games, said: “The Invictus Games will be a truly inspirational event and we’re delighted that we’re able to give young Londoners the chance to be a part of this unique experience.

“Not only will this help ensure the Invictus Games provide a lasting learning opportunity for the community but the Digital Media Champions will have learnt skills they can use later on in their lives.”